Message from President – “Board Elections”
Board Elections!
Last year your Board updated their bylaws – one of the changes we made after much deliberation was that for the sake of continuity, we agreed to elect Board members for 2-year terms.
As you are aware, we sent out requests for several weeks in our weekly Suncoast Blues News that we were looking for individuals to work with us to fill some open Board positions. I was pleased with the response we received! We had the opportunity to meet several dedicated Blues music lovers with an array of skills that will enhance the work of your Board in 2022.
Of the folks that responded, there was 1 person that was eligible to be a full time Board member. The 6 current Board members agreed to another term leaving only 1 open position. Since we had 7 people interested in 7 positions, an election was not needed.
Thus, I would like to present your Suncoast Blues Society Board for 2022:
- Terri O’Brien will continue as President for the 2nd year of her 2-year term
- James Randolph will continue as Vice President for the 2nd year of his 2-year term.
- Scott Morris will continue as Treasurer for the 2nd year of his 2-year term.
- Jesse Smoot, Pat Smoot and Cheryl Spradling, will remain on the Board for another 2-year term.
- Lynn Deglin is our newest member of the Board.
- Lisa Lanza and Linda Rasor have also joined as Alternates.
So, let’s congratulate and meet our new folks…
Lynn Deglin: After 20+ years in N. California, I moved to St. Pete in October 2020. I am thrilled with the local music opportunities, as well as the plentiful art and outdoor activities. I love the celebratory nature of the Tampa Bay area! Recently, a friend mentioned the Suncoast Blues Society and I am now a member. I was very excited to receive my first newsletter and see how much of this music genre is accessible in the area. Blues is one of my all-time favorites!
I have been an IT Business Systems Analyst / Project Manager for a long time and am about to retire. I want to get engaged in community in a helpful and heart-based way. Being a Board member is a perfect way to do that! I am organized, resourceful and a good problem solver. I am also a very good writer and a long-term photographer.
Linda Rasor: My interest in becoming a Board member is a result my lifelong love of the Blues. It is important to me not only to preserve this genre but to promote it to younger folk. It is concerning that the majority of Blues fans are or becoming mature as evident at festivals and concerts. New and younger fans need to be exposed and cultivated to sustain this art form. Besides my love of the music and artists, I am very interested in working with like minds in a team effort to preserve, promote and support the efforts of the Blues Society. I wish to meet new folks, work toward a common goal and also have a “fun” experience.
I live in Dunedin and do have the time to devote to the Society. My professional work involved customer facing experiences and problem solving. I enjoy people interaction and consider myself as a valuable team player. Besides music I am an outdoor enthusiast enjoying bicycling, kayaking and other water sports.
Lisa Lanza: Blues has been my favorite since the 1960’s and I would enjoy interacting with others who enjoy the Blues as much as I do. I love to volunteer for organizations that I support. I am good at filling gaps. I am very observant, and I work to prevent potential problems from occurring. I have lived in Clearwater since 1978. I am fluent in Spanish. I am always on social media and feel that I can be a benefit to the Board.